Welcome

Welcome to the POZ/AIDSmeds Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and
others concerned about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the
conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning: Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive
and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a
username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own
physician.

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators
of these forums. Click here for “Am I Infected?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ/AIDSmeds community forums.

We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please
provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are
true and correct to their knowledge.

Just released from UM hospital.... Was kept overnight with pericarditis (inflammation around the sac-like covering surrounding the heart)..... Have to take high doses of NSAIDS for next three weeks.... Follow up with doctor next week - and hope that it clears up.... Otherwise, will have to get more aggressive treatment. UGGGHHH!!!! Always something - but, I am glad to be home and grateful for the excellant care I received at University of Miami Hospital.

Docs believe the culprit was the flu I had mid-December. I was having continuous chest pains that started worsening on Monday. By Tuesday it was hurting to sit up, lay down, walk, and breath (which is difficult to try not to do). So, yesterday when I saw ENT for follow up on throat issues, she listened to heart and after hearing symptoms advised me to go across the street to ER at UM.

I went to ER and was promptly admitted. After many tests, poking and prodding the diagnosis was made. I am on heavy doses of NSAIDS for next three weeks. Follow up with doc next week. If it worsens, next step would be to put my on high doses of steroids - and if problems continue I would be readmitted to have fluid drained from the sac area......

In the meantime, we are closely monitoring it.... with strict orders to immediately go to ER if it worsens of if I start having severe stabbing pain, etc - as this likely be cardiac arrest (worst case scenario).....

So, 2013 doesn't seem to be starting off any better healthwise than 2012 ended.

Other irritating part if this can last a few weeks up to a few months - I am hoping that it clears quickly.

The doc was happy that she had a good case of pericaditis for the 20 medical students/residents who came to my room to have a chance to see. Always happy to do my part to help the future generation of docs.

You sure are in the hospital a lot, Phil. Have you been checked for AIDS?

Dayummm, I didn't think of that - do you think I should post my symptoms in the AM I section?

And I only have been admitted to 3 of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties many hospitals (Memorial-Pembroke, Aventura, and UM).... Haven't been to Jackson (although I worked there for a bit), Broward General, Holy Cross, Mercy, Mount Sinai, Plantation General, or a host of others.

I really didn't want to go this time. Prior to leaving the ENT I called my mother and told her that I wasn't about to go to the ER. Of course, mom scared me with talk of cardiac arrest (running in the family), etc - so, I went ahead and went - but I really have gotten to the point where I do not want to have to be back in the hospital again for quite some time. I had a good stretch where I wasn't admitted from 2001 until 2012 - so that isn't too bad.

Seems that my health issues have increased since I have taken on a bit more of worry regarding my mom... so, I am going to have to address that, as I can't endlessly worry about her at the detriment of my own health.

Dayummm, I didn't think of that - do you think I should post my symptoms in the AM I section?

And I only have been admitted to 3 of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties many hospitals (Memorial-Pembroke, Aventura, and UM).... Haven't been to Jackson (although I worked there for a bit), Broward General, Holy Cross, Mercy, Mount Sinai, Plantation General, or a host of others.

I really didn't want to go this time. Prior to leaving the ENT I called my mother and told her that I wasn't about to go to the ER. Of course, mom scared me with talk of cardiac arrest (running in the family), etc - so, I went ahead and went - but I really have gotten to the point where I do not want to have to be back in the hospital again for quite some time. I had a good stretch where I wasn't admitted from 2001 until 2012 - so that isn't too bad.

Seems that my health issues have increased since I have taken on a bit more of worry regarding my mom... so, I am going to have to address that, as I can't endlessly worry about her at the detriment of my own health.

Dayummm, I didn't think of that - do you think I should post my symptoms in the AM I section?

Please advise as to the symptoms of teh AIDS....Thank you

They symptoms of AIDS are dry mouth, wet mouth, high fever, low fever, itchy ass, sneezing, coughing, stuffy head, dizzyness, sleepyness, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dry heaves. If you have any of those symptoms you have the AIDS. It is highly advisable that you do not touch anybody or anything, as it is so highly contagious that even walking by you house is dangerous...

They symptoms of AIDS are dry mouth, wet mouth, high fever, low fever, itchy ass, sneezing, coughing, stuffy head, dizzyness, sleepyness, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dry heaves. If you have any of those symptoms you have the AIDS. It is highly advisable that you do not touch anybody or anything, as it is so highly contagious that even walking by you house is dangerous...

Dry mouth - checkWet mouth - check (although, that comes in handy)High Fever - checkLow Fever - checkItchy ass - check (I thought that meant I was in heat)Sneezing - check (more pronounced when I snort pepper)Check on all other symptoms...Dayummmm, I may have teh AIDS - I may have to up my dose of Atripla (which I currently take for purely recreational reasons).

Oh, question - can someone catch teh AIDS from just looking at me? How about if they look at me through sunglasses (we have a lot of that in Florida)?

Seroconverted: Early 80sTested & confirmed what I already knew: early 90s

Current regimen: Atripla. Last regimen: Epzicom, Sustiva (since its inception with NO adverse side effects: no vivid dreams and NONE of the problems people who can't tolerate this drug may experience: color me lucky )Past regimensFun stuff (in the past): HAV/HBV, crypto, shingles, AIDS, PCP

Seroconverted: Early 80sTested & confirmed what I already knew: early 90s

Current regimen: Atripla. Last regimen: Epzicom, Sustiva (since its inception with NO adverse side effects: no vivid dreams and NONE of the problems people who can't tolerate this drug may experience: color me lucky )Past regimensFun stuff (in the past): HAV/HBV, crypto, shingles, AIDS, PCP

Seroconverted: Early 80sTested & confirmed what I already knew: early 90s

Current regimen: Atripla. Last regimen: Epzicom, Sustiva (since its inception with NO adverse side effects: no vivid dreams and NONE of the problems people who can't tolerate this drug may experience: color me lucky )Past regimensFun stuff (in the past): HAV/HBV, crypto, shingles, AIDS, PCP

Was kept overnight with pericarditis (inflammation around the sac-like covering surrounding the heart).....

Phil, pericarditis is serious! I'm glad you are getting treatment.

Back in 2009, a good friend of mine who was visiting for a few days had pericarditis. He woke me up at 4AM saying he had chest pains, and I freaked out, and drove him to the hospital. They sent him home, saying it was just a panic attack, because nothing showed up on the EKG. They sent him home with valium. A few hours later, I was driving him back to the hospital because his symptoms were even worse.

Don't you like how I made this thread all about me, instead of all about you?

Quote

Have to take high doses of NSAIDS for next three weeks....

I am very surprised you are not on steroids (methylprednisolone). You should be very careful, and if you don't improve, ask your doctor about them.

Hope you are better soon.

Logged

"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things: One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell. The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love." - Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Seroconverted: Early 80sTested & confirmed what I already knew: early 90s

Current regimen: Atripla. Last regimen: Epzicom, Sustiva (since its inception with NO adverse side effects: no vivid dreams and NONE of the problems people who can't tolerate this drug may experience: color me lucky )Past regimensFun stuff (in the past): HAV/HBV, crypto, shingles, AIDS, PCP

I am thinking you are schnoooozing like a baby now Phil. (unless you are able to enjoy the fine hospital cuisine. )Prior to your nap your sense of humor was in full force. WoW!!!Sleep tight and don't let the hunky male nurses bite... at least not too hard.Please get yourself well SOON!

Thanks NYC and bug - I plan on getting some rest.... Have school work to do and will do some work from home tomorrow - but other than that, I will be resting.

Doing work from home is NOT RESTING...... If your job can not do without you for a few days as you recover from a serious health issue, well -- you probably want to discuss your salary with them, as whatever it is, it can't possibly be enough. Please, please, take your docs seriously and just focus on getting better. The world will still be here in a few days / week (remember, we made it past 12/21/12).

I'll cut you a little slack on school -- but you are doing it online, so I'm guessing your deadlines are more self generated, so really -- DO TRY AND ACTUALLY REST PHIL!!!

I am very surprised you are not on steroids (methylprednisolone). You should be very careful, and if you don't improve, ask your doctor about them.

Hope you are better soon.

Hi Henry:I was on steroids in hospital - they have me on the NSAIDs here at home, but if I don't see improvement within three-four days, doc says they will have to switch me to steroids.

Sorry for the delay in responding..... I stepped out to pick up the scripts and now I'm home and not feeling all the well....

My aunt (who is a nurse) has advised me in the strongest of terms, not to over exert myself for at least the next 48-72 hours and to be especially focused on any signs that the problem is worsening (i.e. sharper pains, swelling in legs or ankles, sweating) and to get to hospital ASAP if any of these occur.

Funny thing is, I just put together my advanced directives last week and standard will --- ain't that some shit.... LOL

But, this too shall pass... Just have to take it easy for a few days. Which I will do - at least comparatively speaking with normal routine.

I will say that this thing definitely causes some serious pain in the chest - and the worst part is its continuous, which is really frustrating.

anyways Hope you feel better. Mom had Pericarditis a couple times and sounds like the same type treatment. She got over it very quickly and did well. Of course, she is no longer with us, but that's another story.

Just released from UM hospital.... Was kept overnight with pericarditis (inflammation around the sac-like covering surrounding the heart)..... Have to take high doses of NSAIDS for next three weeks.... Follow up with doctor next week - and hope that it clears up.... Otherwise, will have to get more aggressive treatment. UGGGHHH!!!! Always something - but, I am glad to be home and grateful for the excellant care I received at University of Miami Hospital.

Docs believe the culprit was the flu I had mid-December. I was having continuous chest pains that started worsening on Monday. By Tuesday it was hurting to sit up, lay down, walk, and breath (which is difficult to try not to do). So, yesterday when I saw ENT for follow up on throat issues, she listened to heart and after hearing symptoms advised me to go across the street to ER at UM.

I went to ER and was promptly admitted. After many tests, poking and prodding the diagnosis was made. I am on heavy doses of NSAIDS for next three weeks. Follow up with doc next week. If it worsens, next step would be to put my on high doses of steroids - and if problems continue I would be readmitted to have fluid drained from the sac area......

In the meantime, we are closely monitoring it.... with strict orders to immediately go to ER if it worsens of if I start having severe stabbing pain, etc - as this likely be cardiac arrest (worst case scenario).....

So, 2013 doesn't seem to be starting off any better healthwise than 2012 ended.

Other irritating part if this can last a few weeks up to a few months - I am hoping that it clears quickly.

The doc was happy that she had a good case of pericaditis for the 20 medical students/residents who came to my room to have a chance to see. Always happy to do my part to help the future generation of docs.

My Nan had pericarditis.

The she died.

If you suddenly turn into an old racist Presbyterian white woman contact your doctor immediately.

Otherwise give the Matteh some lurve because you're almost certainly fiiiiiiiiiiine.

If you suddenly turn into an old racist Presbyterian white woman contact your doctor immediately.

Otherwise give the Matteh some lurve because you're almost certainly fiiiiiiiiiiine.

MtD

If I suddenly get the urge to buy a handbag, spray on Chanel #25, and change my eyewear to Walgreen's over 60 glasses, I will take that as the early signs that I am becoming that old racist Presbyterian white woman and will immediately seek medical attention.....

Oh, and I tried to insert it into the hole - but broke the monitor on my computer in the attempt.... How shall I ever explain that?

Thanks Matty - I was feeling kind of yucky last night, but woke up feeling much better... hopefully this is a good sign....

One thing I have learned having teh HIV/AIDS is to keep a sense of humor (as much as possible)..... Getting too down about things isn't going to make them any better. So, while I do get frustrated - particularly with the various health issues - my issues pale in comparison to the many issues that so many others (particularly LTS') have had to go through, went through, and continue to experience many times.... (I keep that in mind whenever I go through a little hiccup).

Were you tested for an active CMV infection? Both of my pericarditis episodes were attributed to that virus due to having a weakened immune system.

Get well and REST!!!! You won't be a great performer if you're dead.

Wolfie

Hi Greg:I have no idea if they tested for CMV or not - I see my doc on Wednesday, so I will have her look on the system and see if they tested for it - If not, I will see if she thinks we should...

As you can see in my signature line, my CD4s have been on a steady decline - still not in the "danger" area at all - and doc attriubutes the decline to the various infections, etc. I have been having (and not the other way around)..... I will make sure I bring up the CMV to her and see what her thoughts are on it.

I had never heard of this particular infection until I had my first heart attack and started having other heart related issues.

I assume you're under the care of a great cardiologist?

I have been tested in past for CMV (I am pretty sure)...But don't know if it was part of the many tests that were done when I was in hospital.Not under the care of cardiologist just yet - see my ID doc on Wed. and she will probably hook me up with one from UM at that time.

Rest means rest, not working from home, not keeping up with your schedule, etc.

If you're not going to be a good boy, Mother Mark will have to come down there and spank you with a spatula!

And put down that handbag!

Be well, young one. Feel better soon.

HUGS,

Mark

Bring the spatula!!! LOLI actually have a conference call at 1:00 regarding a Dept of Education grant opportunity... I was supposed to travel to our InterAmerican Campus for it, but will be doing the call from home - I couldn't get out of it...and because it is a time sensitive opportunity, needed to have the planning meeting today. I just finished reviewing and highlighting important parts of the RFP (Request for Proposals), so that I would be at least somewhat prepared for the call.

I hear you on taking some down time - unfortunately, the federal government is not going to extend deadlines to accommodate my little health problem, so I gotta do what I gotta do ----- but I am prepared for my spanking (who knows, it may just put the swelling in an area other than my heart sac - perhaps some other sac )

Dayum Phillip, sorry to hear about the latest issue. Take care of yourself... I'd follow wolfie's advice and see whether or not you've been tested before for CMV. If that test was negative you should probably get it done again. It can be a pretty serious issue when the numbers are declining.

God Phil, what is wrong with you? You've had so many health problems recently I certainly hope this is it for a long while. Please rest as much as you can and do what the doctor says! I don't spank people as Mark does, but I can sock you in the jaw.

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

God Phil, what is wrong with you? You've had so many health problems recently I certainly hope this is it for a long while. Please rest as much as you can and do what the doctor says! I don't spank people as Mark does, but I can sock you in the jaw.

This is the best get well speech eva ! , get well or get a beat down . I'm with Betty Phil , its time for tough luv so don't make me drive her down there . .